Kuwait's EPA Clarifies Air Quality Data, Warns Against Misleading Online Reports

KUWAIT CITY, Mar 25: The Kuwait Environment Public Authority has rejected reports circulating on commercial websites about air quality in the country, urging the public to rely on official sources for accurate information.

In a statement, the authority clarified that platforms such as IQAir are commercial entities and not officially recognized bodies for global air quality classification. It added that these platforms rely on privately operated sensors that differ in accuracy and methodology from government-approved monitoring systems.

The authority also highlighted differences between international standards used by such websites and Kuwait’s national and Gulf standards, particularly in measuring fine particulate matter, which can lead to misleading rankings—especially during periods of increased dust activity.

Officials stressed that Kuwait’s air quality is continuously monitored through official channels, with hourly updates available on its website, covering key pollutants such as particulate matter, carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, ozone, and sulfur dioxide.

The statement further noted that dust levels in Kuwait are largely driven by natural factors, including regional sandstorms and road dust, while emissions from vehicles and industry contribute relatively less.

The authority reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and urged citizens and residents to rely on official platforms for accurate and up-to-date air quality information.